This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
According to Petitioner (E. King Poor), petitioner (E. King Poor) frames the case as a single question: whether the deadline for objecting to a bankruptcy discharge can be altered by equitable exceptions.
Background and question before the Court
According to Petitioner (E. King Poor), according to Petitioner (E. King Poor), petitioner frames the case as a single question: can the deadline for objecting to a bankruptcy discharge be altered by equitable exceptions?
What each side argues
Petitioner (Andrew J. Kontrick)
According to Mr. Poor, petitioner argues that the deadline set by Rule 4004 cannot be altered by any equitable doctrine such as forfeiture, waiver, or equitable estoppel.
According to Petitioner (E. King Poor), according to Petitioner (E. King Poor), petitioner also raises the issue of waiver (or forfeiture) as part of the question before the Court.
Respondent (Robert A. Ryan)
According to Mr. Figliulo, respondent contends that traditional equitable exceptions such as tolling and equitable estoppel do apply to Rule 4004(a) and Rule 4007.
According to Mr. Figliulo, respondent (through Mr. Figliulo) states that the deadline can be altered, answering “yes” to the possibility.
What happened at oral argument
Justice asked whether the question is actually about waiver or forfeiture rather than an equitable exception.
According to Justice, justice noted that the question reads on the petition for a writ of certiorari.
According to Justice, justice inquired when it is too late to amend the answer.
According to Justice, justice explained that after a missed deadline, amendment is possible only with the court’s permission.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 95ca259988894d48bae5-r1-ea7122bf9d2ec4d0.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 20, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.